(Cadian's POV)
If one were to ask who the strongest spellsword at the academy is, up until a year ago, the answer would have been Iris Midgar. Well, that was assuming she hasn't fought ME. But after her graduation, a new champion has yet to appear and take her place.
I know what you're thinking, why don't I claim the title hailed as the strongest? Well, my friend, that IS my plan. I'm not just going to win against everyone, I'm going to DOMINATE whoever stands in my way.
And I have the perfect plan on just how I'm going to do it.
"The time has come for the God of War Tournament!" Alexia announced as the entire colosseum filled with brimming students and viewers cheer in response.
The God of War Festival, a tournament held every other year. It's a great spellsword tournament that gathers interest from all over the country and even other nations. Many capable swordsmen can participate, regardless of any domestic or foreign affiliations.
This is the perfect opportunity to make me, Cadian, rise to prominence in a great and flamboyant way! I heard from Eleanor and Rose that many legendary spellswords will attend, even Princess Iris herself. Now, if I were to beat, no, DESTROY all of them, imagine the amount of fame I can amass. Imagine the control at my disposal that I will inevitably grasp!
I trained long and hard to put on a good show for months, it's basically a milestone goal for me in this new world. I can't mess this up, it's such a good opportunity to waste.
As of now, today is the selection tournament to decide who gets to participate as part of the school's quota. I'm technically not supposed to join because I'm already invited to the festival but, eh, I just wanna put on a show. So, I'm currently in a tunnel that leads to the battlegrounds, as my match is the second one to be held. As for the first match, well, let Alexia inform you.
"It's time for our first bout." She announces as she stood in a lavish cubicle made for announcers. "Second Year, Rose Oriana! Versus! First Year, Cid Kagenoh!"
I observed my friend and brother facing each other. Rose waves gracefully to those who were cheering at her. As for Cid, well, he's pretending to be as aloof as ever as per his own magnanimous goal.
"Well well well, it seems that I get to test you once more, Cid," Rose remarks. "I hope that all the pointers that I taught you were put to good use. I'm expecting a good show from you today."
"H-Huh... oh... yea..." Cid meeks. 'You bet I'll give you a good show! A good show of me getting clobbered like a ragdoll thrashed by fifty wrecking balls!'
'I already know that Cid plans to lose this fight since he told me to not ruin his opportune moment. Now then, let's see what he has in store?' I expectedly thought as Alexia signaled the fight to begin.
"Try to relax. And let's have a fair fight." She said as Rose started dashing towards Cid for the bout.
(Third Person POV)
As Rose's sword hits Cid in the chest, he executes his plan in that single instance. He leaps back as he feigns being blasted away, his body was still with his posture delved in a perfect curve. Using the momentum, he adds a twisting rotation to his body as he bursts to open his hidden blood bag to fake a blood spray. The execution was bold yet elegant, and nonetheless complete.
He beholds, his Tailspin Parry Bloody Tornado!
As he crashed down to the ground, he spits some fake blood, and now, he gazed at Rose with a determined and satisfied look.
'Come at me, Rose Oriana! I still have forty-six ultimate forms of mob-fu left for you!' He coyed with his regard.
The tenacity of Cid's determination caught Rose off guard as he continued his advances, well, his attempts to make himself look like the fool. Every time he rushes in, Rose would strike back as he made himself look weak and feeble in the most flamboyant way possible. Every time he gets knocked down, he stands back up, unrelenting in making himself look like a side character.
'Why? Why does he keep standing up?!' Rose questioned at what she was seeing. 'Even if these are dull practice swords, he's taken so many strikes already!'
The difference in strength is clear, his chances of victory are astronomically low. But what Rose doesn't know is that his loss is his ultimate victory!
'He should have hit the limits of his body long ago!' Rose struck him hard. 'I get it now, his indomitable spirit is giving him strength! Why do you go so far?! Why do you keep standing up?! Are you... burdened with the fact of living under your siblings' shadow?'
*smirk*
Rose was, even more, put off as Cid only smirked at the beating he received.
'He's laughing, he's showing no signs of giving up! Those eyes, it's similar to Cadian's when he's serious. The eyes of someone who can't afford to lose no matter what.' At that point, Rose admitted and accepted the notion of Cid's effort of not giving up, as much as she misunderstood that he was actually getting excited about being beaten incessantly.
"I will answer your resolve by going all out." Rose closed her eyes in respect to him. "This is it! Time to end this!" Rose was preparing a move she wanted to save for someone strong, she accepted that Cid was worth the respect. "I applaud you, Cid!" She charged at a dangerous speed, ready to shatter Cid to pieces.
"STOP!" Before Rose could strike him, the referee got in the way as he stopped the battle. "Stand down! I declare the first bout to be over!"
"Huh? Why?! I can still fight! I still have thirty-three ultimate moves to show-"
"Have you seen how much blood you have lost?! Go to the infirmary!" The referee and Cid bicker.
Meanwhile.
'No, he didn't lose.' Rose goggled at Cid. 'Those eyes of his were lit with pure passion. He has the spirit of a true warrior.' Her expression then softened as she smiled. "Cid." She called out to him, getting his attention. "I commend you, Cid. You may have lost the bout, but you have won the battle of the soul."
"Uhm, what?" He tilted his head in confusion.
"I'm starting to wish that your brother would have as much passion as you." She giggled as she glanced at Cadian who was standing by the tunnel.
As she stood victorious on the stage, the girl's eyes locked with those of her beloved, who was beaming with pride and admiration. She had never felt more alive than in that moment, knowing that all her hard work and dedication had paid off with her fight against Cid, sort of, and that the person she loved most was there to share in her triumph.
As she lowered her dull sword, the girl couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. The adrenaline from the battle was still pumping through her veins, but now it was mixed with a feeling of joy and contentment. She had never felt so alive, and she knew that this moment would stay with her forever.
She made her way over to her beloved, who was waiting for her with a smile. She hugged him tightly, with Cadian not expecting the sudden gesture. She looked into his eyes and saw the pride and admiration, as well as surprise, shining back at her. She knew that he had been her biggest supporter throughout her journey and she was grateful to have him by her side.
"You really smacked some sense into Cid huh." He said as they pulled away from the embrace. "Hopefully that would get him to train even harder." He then thought. 'Well I'll be, he actually lost pathetically like what he imagined. Kudos to him.'
"From our fight, I can see how you're both related now. While the end goals are different, you both are really dedicated," She replied, smiling.
"Well, I wouldn't call myself dedicated. But whatever makes you happy I guess." He commented.
"Good luck on your battle. I'll be watching you closely." She stretched her hand to him.
"Then watch me closely, I'll be sure to give a good show." And Cadian clasped it firmly.
The crowd around them was cheering and congratulating her on her victory. She basked in the glory of the moment, knowing that this was a victory for her. Rose walked away from the visible arena, excited to see Cadian's battle.
The girl felt like she could conquer the world. She knew that this was only the beginning of her journey, and she was excited to see what the future held for her. She was grateful to have someone who believed in her and who would be there to support her every step of the way. She knew that with him by her side, anything was possible.
She was drunk in love, and no matter what, she'll be sure to face any challenges that await her. No matter what it is.
.
.
As for Cadian's battle...
"Agh!" His competitor's body was flung out of the ring after receiving one of his devastating strikes.
'Crap, I think I exerted a little too much force on that swing.' Cadian scratched the back of his head. 'Well, no matter. I already accomplished what I meant to do in this battle.'
Finishing up his thoughts, the entire stadium cheered on Cadian's victory after showing a display of domination.
With precision and skill, Cadian effortlessly dominated his opponent on the spellsword strip. His quick footwork and lightning-fast attacks left his competitor struggling to keep up, and before long, the match was over with a decisive victory for the unenergetic guy. The crowd erupted in applause as he raised his sword in triumph, basking in the glory of his dominance.
"I expected no less from Lord Cadian." In her seat, Alexia also clapped with the crowd after witnessing a flawless performance. "I still have no idea why he's participating in the prelims when he's already invited to compete in the festival for being the Spring Tournament champion. Do you know why, Lady Rose?" She looked to the older princess who sat beside her. "...Lady Rose?"
Rose was watching from the stands, her gaze locked on Cadian. The pride in his eyes and the precision of his movements in his battle left her in awe, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration as he emerged victorious. She knew that at that moment, she was looking at not just a champion fencer, but someone special in her life.
Rose didn't care that they were going to fight later to determine who would be representing the academy in the festival, after all, she knew that both of them would already be in the festival due to his invitation.
And she knew that Cadian is planning to forfeit their battle once it comes. He knew his intentions after having been his closest friend for over a year. He wanted their battle to be special, and what better battle would there be than in the God of War festival itself?
Rose felt her heart pounding in her chest as Cadian listlessly raised his sword in triumph, signaling his victory. She had never been so proud of anyone before, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing as she watched him walk off the strip. She had known him for a while and they shared a special bond.
And she wanted that bond to become something more for the longest time.
"Trapped in a romantic daze aren't you?" Alexia cooed, breaking Rose from her trance. "Why don't you just tell him how you feel?" She said with a smirk. "I bet he feels the same way!"
Rose blushed and shook her head.
"I told you already, I don't have those... feelings..." She replied, trying to play it cool.
But Alexia wasn't about to let her off the hook that easily.
"Come on, your eyes on him are definitely sparkling every time you look in his direction. I'm pretty sure he likes you too," She said, still teasing her friend.
"...is it really that obvious?" The older princes pouted.
"Well, I don't know about the others. But being up this close to you, there's no way in hell that you aren't madly in love."
At this point, Rose gives in and accepts defeat.
"I don't know, what if he doesn't feel the same way? I don't want to ruin our friendship," she said, clearly conflicted. "You of all people should know that I can't freely love. I have fiancé problems as well. We are bound by our duties as princesses. I can't just selfishly put my feelings first then my kingdom... it's not that easy..."
Alexia could see that her friend was serious and decided to give her some honest advice.
"Look, I know it's scary to put yourself out there, but you'll never know for sure if you don't try. And if he doesn't feel the same way, you'll still have your friendship. But if he does, you'll be able to explore something amazing," She said with a reassuring smile. "Forget your status as a princess. It's your own life, and you have a say in the choices that will make your own desired future. Besides, I bet your parents will understand that you have someone you love regardless of his noble standing. You're strong, Lady Rose. Things will work out, I promise."
She thought about it for a moment and then nodded. Alexia proved a huge point after all.
"You're right, I'll tell him how I feel, but only after I win the festival tournament." Rose displayed a determined look on her face, "I have things under control, and I don't just want to confess now and get swept up by everything. I just hope it's not too late," She said with a determined look on her face.
The girl smiled and gave her friend a hug.
"I know you'll do great. Just be honest and true to yourself and everything will work out," she said, encouraging her friend to take a step toward her crush. "But really? To confess once you defeat THE Listless Prodigy in an esteemed event? I will say this Lady Rose, but that's a really huge hurdle to overcome."
"That's why I'm giving my all," Rose reassured. "I will beat him. I will do everything for my sake... no, for the sake of my feelings..."
.
.
"My last battle with Rose is still not for another hour. Hah, as if I even care, I'm forfeiting." He chuckled as he walks through the colosseum's halls.
After the spectacular show that Cadian put on, he decided that there was no need to stay in the place any longer. There were other things that he wanted to do, all of them related to his next acts of heroism. He was even confident that Rose knew that he was going to forfeit anyway, so he might as well let her do the technical work and leave himself free to do other fruitful things.
"I should probably contact the girls to see if they have more info on the cult." He mused with the idea. "I'm itching for another show. But... patience, Cadian, patience. I'll get that opportunity, and seize it! I'll seize it all and become the absolute hero- Whoah!"
In the absence of his spatial awareness, he trips on something and faceplants first on the ground.
"What are you yapping about?" He hears a voice he didn't want to hear, for he knew that the voice spelled trouble.
"...did you seriously just trip me? Claire?" He looks up and sees his sister looking so smug.
"Figured I'd do it since you were spacing out like an idiot." She explains as he got up from the ground. "You're probably expecting me to congratulate you or something. But tough luck for you, I don't need to. I know what you're planning. It's clearly written on your face.
"So what? You're gonna make me have that last battle with Rose?" He rolls his eyes.
"Too much trouble. Plus, I already know that you're both going to enter the festival as the academy representative and the spring champion respectively." She waves it off. "I'm here to see you for another reason entirely. Here." She hands Cadian a neat unopened later.
"A letter?" He turned the letter around. "...from, Mother?"
"Read it." She then shows him an identical, but opened letter. "I have one as well. And if we really have the same letter, then I'm guessing that the contents will shock you."
"Please, what could possibly shock me." He scoffs as he opens the letter and read it.
'Salutations, my dear son. It's been a while since I last read your letter, and I'm pleased that you are doing well for yourself. Now I know that this is going to shock you, but I'm writing this letter to inform you that I and your father, with help from other nobles, have decided that it's time for you to get settled with a fiancée.'
"....what..." The expression on Cadian't face was priceless.
'I know, you're probably thinking that you're not old enough to be wed yet. But believe me, it's partially you're fault that we had to settle on a fiancée for you. With your booming popularity, many nobles all over the country have sent us letters about their daughters having an interest in marrying you. We were shocked to see that we got letters from earls, marquesses, and even dukes that want you to marry their daughters. Don't even get me started on the letters from the countries of Oriana and Begarta. We expected that you and Claire would be having this situation in the near future. But YOU, on the other hand, really surprised your own dear mother with your escapades.'
Cadian was, well, to say that he was extremely shocked was an understatement.
'But do relax, my son. This happenstance won't be settled right away. As of now, I'm currently finalizing a list of potential fiancées that would suit you. I'm taking status, potential, willingness, and beauty into account to make sure that you will have the perfect woman of your dreams. I'm sending you the list soon, so all I'm asking is for you to pick one preferably before you go into your third year. Unless you have someone you already like, then the list I'm making will help you choose your potential wife. Do send me a letter regarding your thoughts on the matter. Until then, I bid you good luck in your endeavors. Oh, and do say high to Princess Rose for me. Sincerely, your mother.'
"Well, my job here is done. I'll be taking my leave." Claire said as she scuttles away. "Pick wisely my dear brother. Your future as well as our family's future depends on it."
Cadian was left standing there, comprehending what he just read. To think that he now has to find a fiancée, it never occurred to him that he now had that matter on his plate. His hair was covering his expression, his arms relax as he dropped the letter on the floor. Cadian bobs his head up and closes his eyes. His resting mouth, creased up, forming a small smile, slowly evolving into a grin.
"He he..." His small chuckle now turned into a burst of full-blown laughter. "Ha ha ha!"
He laughed for a good five seconds before dialing down the volume. At that point, he had already processed everything in his head, and the gears in his plans started shifting in different places. After all the movements and finalities, he can only say one word that encapsulates what he truly feels from his mother's letter.
"...finally..."